University of Indianapolis Mathematical Sciences Faculty

Areas of Expertise

Commutative algebra

Background

On campus I have linked commutative algebra to undergraduate research through an honors project connecting group theory to music; my interest in cryptography led to the creation of a First Year Seminar exploring the history and mathematics of encryption with an eye towards modern applications and information security issues. In the community, I have worked with in-service mathematics teachers through workshops and graduate mathematics courses. Within the larger mathematical community, I am an Associate Editor for The College Mathematics Journal's Classroom Capsules feature and have served as Chair of the Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America. 

Research Interests

Coherent and non-Noetherian ring theory, homological dimensions, cryptography

Education

• PhD, Mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• MS, Mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• BA, Mathematics (minor in Spanish), University of Arizona

Fun Fact

As an undergraduate I worked at the University writing center, was a teaching assistant for an entry-level computer science course, and spent two years playing violin in the University orchestra.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The opportunities I have to get to know my students and help them explore their interests and pursue their goals.

Area of Expertise

Introductory undergraduate math courses

Background

Taught math at a community college for 11 years prior to coming to UIndy including Statistics, Math for Teachers, College Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, and Finite Math. Involved in InMATYC and AMATYC.

Research Interests

Math pedagogy

Education

• MA, Indiana University
• BS, Mathematics, University of Evansville

Fun Fact

I had a Pi Day wedding on 3/14/15.

Favorite Thing About UIndy

The strong sense of community on campus here.

Area of Expertise

Statistics; Bayesian methods; Item Response Theory

Background

As a graduate student at the University of Virginia, I taught several courses, including introductory statistics and introductory data science. My research focuses on developing methods for reliably reporting error rates in binary decision-making where inconclusive outcomes are present, with specific applications in forensic science and pattern evidence analysis.

Research Interests

Statistical applications in forensic science; experimental design 

Education

• PhD, Statistics, University of Virginia
• BA, Mathematics, Sweet Briar College

Fun Fact

I am a collegiate women's lacrosse official! 

Favorite Thing About UIndy

The faculty, staff, and students are incredibly friendly and welcoming!

Areas of Expertise

Algebra

Research Interests

Math pedagogy and gender and mathematics

Education

• PhD, Mathematics, University of Notre Dame
• MS, Mathematics, University of Notre Dame
• BS, Mathematics/Mathematics Education, Miami University

Fun Fact

I wrote a children's book call M is for Math.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

Working with and getting to know students in and out of the classroom.

BACKGROUND

I taught mathematics and astronomy classes as a graduate student at Ball State and joined the faculty at UIndy immediately after graduating from Ball State.  As an undergraduate, I was involved in research of evolved stars.  I continued working on that project as a graduate student and also worked on a project to identify candidate stars to observe in search of exoplanets.

EDUCATION

• MA, Mathematics, Ball State University
• MS, Physics, Ball State University
• BS, Mathematics, Valparaiso University
• BS, Physics, Valparaiso University

EDUCATION

• MS, Applied Mathematics, University of Kentucky

• BS, Mathematics, Benedictine University

Areas of Expertise

Mathematics education

Background

Travis currently serves as Dean of the Shaheen College of Arts & Sciences after serving twice as Interim Dean and five years as Senior Associate Dean. Previously he served as Chair of the Mathematical Sciences Department. Beyond the University, Travis has served on the board of the Hoosier Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (HAMTE), of which he was a founding member, for multiple terms as both chair of the national membership committee and member of the Finance Committee of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE), and for multiple terms as a member of the leadership committee of his local church. In 2023 he co-edited a special issue of the journal Theory into Practice entitled “The collective endeavor of learning: Reflecting on the contributions of Terry L. Wood.” Dr. Wood was a trailblazer in the realm of mathematics education and served as Travis’ graduate thesis advisor. The issue opened with a chapter that Travis solo-authored. His other publications and presentations primarily focus on bridging content and theory for the practitioner in mathematics teacher educator programs, including the effective inclusion of technology in developing mathematical understanding, as well as leadership in higher education.

Research Interests

Undergraduate mathematical preparation of teachers, best practices for technology integration in mathematics courses for future teachers, leadership in higher education

Education

• PhD, Curriculum & Instruction, Purdue University
• MS, Applied Mathematics, Purdue University
• BS, Mathematics, University of Indianapolis

Fun Fact

I collect vintage and antique board games produced by the Parker Brothers company.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The collaborative opportunities between faculty and students.

Area of Expertise

Mathematical/Computational Biology, specifically in Neuroscience

Background

I use mathematical models to study how neuronal activities give rise to cognitive functions. During my PhD, I built an accumulation model to explain perceptual alternation in the auditory system. I am now working on the functional implication of intermittent synchronization. Besides doing research, I am enthusiastic about teaching math and introducing a variety of math applications to students. 

Research Interests

Mathematical model of intermittent synchronization; computational model of perceptual alternation

Education

• PhD, Applied Mathematical and Computational Sciences, The University of Iowa
• MS, Mathematics, The University of Iowa
• BS, Applied Mathematics (minor in Computer Science), San José State University 

Fun Fact

I have too many hobbies. 

Favorite Thing About UIndy

The focus of the university on service-learning.

Background

I have taught Mathematics at Indiana University as a graduate student and at Ivy Tech as an Adjunct.

Education

• MA, Mathematics, Indiana University
• BA, Mathematics, Ball State University

Fun Fact

I have over 50 houseplants.

Favorite Thing About UIndy

The many opportunities UIndy presents its students and faculty.

Areas of Expertise

History of mathematics

Background

Has published and lectured extensively on medieval Arabic algebra as well as on the mathematics of Greece and medieval & early modern Europe. Recent publications include the book The Arithmetica of Diophantus: A complete translation and commentary (co-authored with Jean Christianidis) (2023) and articles "An anonymous treatise on algebra from 395 H/1004-1005 CE: Translation and commentary" (2024), "The legacy of al-Khwārazmī in history of algebra" (2024), "Zero and nothing in medieval Arabic arithmetic" (2022), and "Fermat and Descartes in light of premodern algebra and Viète" (2022).

Research Interests

History and philosophy of ancient, medieval, and early modern algebra, with an eye toward ontology

Education

• PhD, Mathematics, University of Rochester
• MA, Mathematics, University of Rochester
• BA, Mathematics, Hobart College

Fun Fact

I amassed a collection of over 15,000 railroad date nails after walking the tracks in several states and countries.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The friendliness of the people.

Areas of Expertise

Mathematics education, undergraduate mathematics teaching, educational administration, mathematics curriculum development

Background

I taught mathematics at Cumberland Middle and High schools for 4 years, at Eastern Illinois University for 12 years, Ball State for 1 year, and am now proud to be a part of the UIndy Community.

Research Interests

Mathematics curriculum and instructional techniques, educational administration, college mathematics remediation

Education

• PhD, Educational Administration, Indiana State University
• EdS, Educational Administration, Eastern Illinois University
• MA, Mathematics Education, Eastern Illinois University
• BA, Mathematics with Secondary Education, Eastern Illinois University

Fun Fact

Sports and fitness have always been a big part of my life. I was a 3-sport athlete in HS (football, wrestling, and track). I played football in college and for an 8-man semi- pro team. I played rugby for three different men’s clubs in Illinois and went on tour to play in Wales. I’ve coached wrestling at the high school and youth levels in Illinois, and am still involved with the wrestling program in New Palestine, IN.

Favorite Thing about UIndy

The small size makes it easy to get to know your students and other faculty in the math department and across campus.